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Maritime Engineer

Introduction

Maritime engineers design, develop, operate and maintain the equipment and systems used on ships, offshore oil and gas installations and underwater vessels. They specialise in offshore engineering, marine engineering or shore-based industries.

Also known as

Engineer, Maritime

Ship Engineer

Work Activities

Maritime Engineers play an important role in shipbuilding and ship repair. You design, construct, operate and maintain ships, and all the systems and machinery used on maritime vessels.

You also use your skills in the exploration and production of natural resources such as oil, gas and minerals found under the seabed. You develop the latest technology to explore previously inaccessible areas of the sea.

Increasingly, you find ways to use the sea's resources while preventing or minimising environmental damage.

There are three main areas of maritime engineering: offshore engineering, marine engineering and shore-based industries.

Offshore engineering involves the exploration and production of oil, gas and minerals. Offshore Engineers are involved in all aspects of this work.

You work closely with other specialists, such as Geologists, to decide the best place to site offshore oil or gas installations, making sure that the exploration work will be cost-effective and yield the maximum amount of the natural resource.

Offshore Engineers use deep-water technology, like remotely operated vehicles, to carry out exploration and operations on the seabed.

You design, construct and operate fixed and mobile oil platforms and their systems. You may work in a design office, using computer-aided design technology to create the safest and most efficient oil rigs.

You think about the most appropriate type of material to use to build the installation. You find ways to overcome the problems presented by wind, waves, currents and the nature of the seabed.

Offshore Engineers also protect the environment, for example, by developing renewable energy sources such as wind and wave power. You find environmental and cost-effective solutions to problems such as the disposal of disused oil platforms.

In the Merchant Navy, Engineer Officers typically spend about four months away at sea, followed by two months' leave. Your main task is to operate and maintain the ship's propulsion machinery. You also manage the ship's electrical systems and electronic equipment.

Marine Engineers maintain and repair services such as air conditioning and passenger lifts. On refrigerated cargo ships, Maritime Engineers may be responsible for the systems used to store goods like fruit and meat.

In the Royal Navy, Marine Engineers work on aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates (warships), assault ships, mine-counter vessels and submarines anywhere in the world.

In shore-based industries, Maritime Engineers design and oversee the construction of new ships. These days, in the UK, the emphasis is on building specialist vessels, especially for the offshore industry and the Royal Navy. Maritime Engineers will also be closely involved in the technology used on board modern vessels.

Maritime Engineers who work for shipping companies may be responsible for operating and maintaining a fleet of ships. You design and build machinery and systems for new or existing vessels.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Personal Qualities and Skills

To become a Maritime Engineer, you need:

an inquisitive, analytical mind and a strong interest in how things work

the ability to solve problems using a logical approach with creativity, imagination and an open mind

to be willing to learn and develop new knowledge, and keep up to date with advances in technology

strong communication and interpersonal skills to work well in a team, especially if you serve at sea

an awareness of health and safety procedures

a willingness to travel and work at sea for periods of time

strong organisational, written and numerical skills - you may be responsible for planning timetables and budgets

good computer skills to use, and perhaps develop, a wide range of sophisticated information technology

You may lead or train other Engineers or Engineering Technicians, so you should be able to encourage and motivate others.

Royal Navy Engineers must be prepared to work in combat conditions.

You may need diving skills if your job involves underwater work.

Pay and Opportunities

Pay

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Starting: £33,000 - £37,500

With experience: £40,000 - £47,000

Senior Maritime Engineers earn £52,500 - £60,000

Hours of work

Most Maritime Engineers work around 35-40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes and some weekend work may be required.

Where could I work?

Employment is usually with:

companies concerned with the design, construction and maintenance of ships and their equipment

the Merchant Navy and Royal Navy

shipping companies

offshore industries

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, trade industry publications, at Jobcentre Plus and on the Find a Job website.

Vacancies can also be found through specialist engineering recruitment agencies, internet job boards and the websites of professional engineering bodies.

Entry Routes and Training

Entry routes

An Intermediate or Advanced Level Apprenticeship is a great place to start. Take a look at our information article 'Apprenticeships – How do I apply', for more details about applying for apprenticeship positions.

However, most Maritime Engineers usually go on to complete a relevant engineering degree, foundation degree or HND, such as:

There are several routes of entry to the Royal Navy. Contact the Royal Navy to find out which is the most appropriate route for you.

A great way to get into this career is through an internship. Take a look at our information article 'Internships', for more details.

Training

Depending on your level of entry, Engineers can gain Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) professional status. Both are highly regarded by employers throughout industry.

To register as a CEng or an IEng, you must join a relevant, professional engineering institution licensed by the Engineering Council, such as the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).

To become a CEng or an IEng, you need to demonstrate the appropriate competence and commitment. The standards for this are set out in the Engineering Council's UK-SPEC document, which can be downloaded from their website.

UK-SPEC and the engineering institution you've joined can tell you which qualifications are accredited or approved towards CEng or IEng status. Your engineering institution will also advise you on, and process, your application.

Routes to CEng status include completing:

an accredited honours degree in engineering or technology, plus either an appropriate Masters degree accredited by a professional engineering institution, or appropriate further learning to Masters level

or, an accredited integrated MEng degree

Routes to CEng status include completing:

an accredited honours degree in engineering or technology, plus either an appropriate Masters degree or Engineering Doctorate (EngD) accredited by a professional engineering institution, or appropriate further learning to Masters level

or, an accredited integrated MEng degree

However, you can still become a CEng or an IEng if you don't have these academic qualifications. Further information about the assessment process can be found in UK-SPEC.